Driving 50 is nifty in work zones

The Ohio Department of Transportation, (ODOT) has teamed up with the Toledo Police Department (TPD) in an effort to encourage drivers to slow down along interstate work zones in the Toledo Metro area.

Law enforcement officers from TPD will be monitoring speeds within the ODOT work zone along I-475 between Monroe Street and along the I-75/I-475 interchange. Officers will be stationed throughout the work zone to enforce the speed limit of 50 mph. The enforcement zones will be set up randomly 24/7 for the duration of the project.

If caught speeding, drivers will be fined double the cost of an average ticket. Motorists driving between 1-19 mph over the 50 mph speed limit will be fined $178. Drivers going between 20-29 mph over the 50 mph speed limit will be fined $258.

An ODOT analysis shows that the causes of most work zone related crashes are speeding, vehicles following too close together and drivers making improper lane changes.

With more than 1,600 transportation construction projects underway, safety experts say it’s even more critical that drivers be alert and follow posted speed limits when traveling through construction zones.

“There are a lot of variables in work zones - the cones, signs, equipment and workers. With reduced speed limits and traffic lane shifts, it’s important to slow down and be aware of your surroundings in a work zone at all times of the day - for everyone’s safety,” said ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris.

Two construction workers have been killed in Ohio interstate work zones during this construction season.

Get the latest information on all of the construction projects in Ohio that might impact travel on www.BuckeyeTraffic.org.